The Hydraulink War of the Wings (also known as WOW) is a New Zealand based dirt track racing series, with championship rounds held throughout the South Island. Founded in 1997, the tour has grown to become a consistent fixture on the New Zealand Speedway calendar and has attracted numerous drivers from international racing backgrounds. In 2016 and again in 2018 the War of the Wings was the winner of the 'Best Speedway Series' category at the New Zealand Speedway Awards.
Origins In 1997 Sprint Car Racing in the South Island was in a perilous state. Just a handful of cars could be depended on to 'hit the track'. A group of enthusiasts headed by Brian Barclay, Alistair Kelso and Allan Batt put their energy into forming a 'mini' series that would run at Ruapuna, Dunedin, Ellesmere and Ashburton. Slowly but surely the numbers and enthusiasm grew and in time Cromwell became a destination as did Nelson, Invercargill, Blenheim and Woodford Glen.
There have been a couple of seasons when the War of the Wings has been sidelined, primarily by the cessation of the original South Island Sprint Car Association, and the 2010-11 events fell victim to the Christchurch earthquakes.
In 2007 the Sprint car Association was re-ignited and plans were put in place to 'grow' the series by putting up an irresistible amount of prize and travel incentives.
Sporting regulations War of the Wings is run at venues licensed by Speedway New Zealand, the major governing body of Speedway in NZ, as well as venues licensed by the Circle Track Racing Association (CTRA).
Race day format War of the Wings race day formats go as follows: 30 minutes before racing begins, Time Trials are held to determine the lineups of the heat races along with giving out points for the fastest time. The program then continues as scheduled, with War of the Wings Heat Races 1,2 and 3 mixed in amongst the support classes. Eventually, the meeting generally rounds off with the War of the Wings Feature race.
Championship points system
Cars The Hydraulink War of the Wings series currently includes the Winged Sprintcar class. This class features a 410ci Engine.
Tracks + War of the Wings tracksTrackSurface TypeLengthLocationRegionSeason(s)Races held
Records
Champions Season Winner Race No. Second Place Third Place2025-26 Matthew Leversedge78c Dyllan Forsey Zack Sokol2024-25 Connor Rangi57n Joel Myers Jr Dyllan Forsey2023-24 Joel Myers Jr46USA Connor Rangi Dyllan Forsey2022-23 Joel Myers Jr46c Matt Anderson Jacob McIntyre2021-22 Connor Rangi57n Stephen Taylor Steve Duff Jr2020-21 Jamie Duff19c Connor Rangi Caleb Baughan2019-20 Caleb Baughan59c Alicia Hill Paddy North2018-19 Jamie Duff19t Connor Rangi Sam O'Callaghan2017-18 Jamie Duff19t Connor Rangi Daniel Anderson2016-17 Jamie Duff19t Matt Honeywell Luke Keegan2015-16 Allan Woods28aus Ray Baughan Matt Honeywell2014-15 Matt Honeywell64c Jason Scott Brett Sullivan2013-14 Jason Scott88t 2012-13 Ray Baughan95c 2011-12 Barry Martinez66aus 2009-10 Jamie Duff19t 2008-09 Danny Mayson97c 2007-08 Kevin Freeman75n 2004-05 Jeremy Harley 2003-04 Kevin Clive4c 2002-03 Kevin Freeman75n 2001-02 Nigel Brown 2000-01 Jeremy Harley 1999-00 Daryl Wright 1998-99 Steve Duff 15c 1997-98 Bruce Pluck
Hydraulink War of the Wings Wins All figures correct end of 2023-24 season. +KeyBoldHydraulink War of the Wings Champion +Hydraulink War of the Wings Feature Race WinnersRankCountryDriverWinsActive1Jamie Duff302009–present
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Result2018 New Zealand Speedway Awards Series of the Year Winner2016 New Zealand Speedway Awards Series of the Year Winner
Notes
References